Jenny Graham and the Arts and Wildlife Project

Yet another fruitful session. Despite the relatively low numbers of members taking advantage of having a professional artist spend two mornings with us to guide us in trying to see everyday things in a new light we all felt it was a success. Unlike last year we had managed to produce attempts at some form of artistic interpretation of images seen during walks round Compton Dundon on the two Saturday sessions. We were able to compare our efforts of photography and sketching without feeling embarrassed about what we might feel about our own work.

This photo was my attempt to capture the richness of these grasses as they bent in the wind and created an interesting pattern. That's what I hoped anyway.

A big surprise to me was that a suggestion was made that we continue with our sessions and formed an ongoing arts and wildlife group. We are considering meeting once a month on a Saturday morning to try to develop our interest again with Jenny Graham to give us some guidance and inspiration. More on this soon. The word ARTS was chosen to show that we are interested in all forms of artistic work not just photography say. We are appreciative of the time Jenny has given to this project and for her interest in working with us in the Wildlife Trust.


Jenny has been exhibiting some of her paintings at the MKgallery in Somerton as part of the Art Week. Her web site can be seen with this link.

Bats in Somerset

A surprising number of visitors to this blog have been searching for information on bats.

Here is a link to the Somerset Bat Group who might be able to help. Link here.

Moths

Have you ever tried to take a close up photograph of a small moth sitting quietly on the ceiling of your bathroom?
The photo shown here is my best effort to get a good enough image for seeking an identification as I couldn't find it in my book ( Concise Guide to the Moths of GB and Ireland.)

Having got the best image I could, standing on a small step ladder with one foot on the toilet and with a tripod balanced precariously alongside the wash basin, I emailed it to John Bebbington , chairman of the Somerset Moth Group for an answer.

It is a Rosy Footman, Miltochrista miniata. It looks very different in the book which is what confused me. In fact the book shows , I think, a simplified drawing showing the pattern on the wings , but it looks quite different in real life.

Climate Change news

I haven't said much about this subject for some time. It is a constant theme in wildlife conservation now and came up again yesterday at a meeting I attended to discuss Somerset Wildlife Trust future approach to the "Living Landscape" concept. The Trust it was said must keep the probable effects of climate change in mind it setting its long term goals.

Last night by coincidence I listened to the Dimbleby Lecture given by Prince Charles. It led me to check out the UN web sites covering the G8 conference and the forthcoming Copenhagen Conference. You can read the speech at this link.

All of these links can be a bit overwhelming and I think the UN is on the right track to run a simple campaign to get signatures on a petition to be used to get world governments to take action.

I have signed the petition on line and I am number 5092 on the list shown so its early days.

If you agree with me that we should do something to help the process along then you can find the petition at this link.

Art and Wildlife workshop.

Art and Wildlife Workshop 4th July 2009

The view from the top of Lollover Hill is highly impressive.
The butterflies, Burnet moths and wild flowers seen on the way to the top are remarkable.
We had met at 9 am at the Compton Dundon village hall and over a coffee Jenny Graham had talked us through the plans for this session of the workshop. We then set off to explore the paths leading from the hall.
Most members of the group were interested in improving their photographic skills and with a clear handout we were given key advice which we were soon able to put into use.
The view from the top of Lollover Hill is so impressive on such a day that I was not surprised when someone exclaimed that the walk and the view must make you realise what a beautiful county we are very fortunate to live in.
The Burnett moths were apparently just emerging and sunning them selves all around us. Or were they busy mating? Marbled White were very obvious and a delight to see.
After much close observation and many photographs we returned to the hall. All agreed we would return for the second session on the 18th and would see what we could do with the images we had just experienced.
We expect a further group will also join us to conclude this years art and wildlife workshop.
If you couldn't make today's session and would like to join us on the 18th give me a call.